Tom Birch Jim Halderman Coolants Tom Birch Jim Halderman 1

Introductions: Tom Birch Retired instructor from Yuba College, Marysville, CA. Author of many automotive textbooks Former officer in CAT and NACAT Board Member

Jim Halderman Former flat-rate technician and instructor and a business owner. Author of many automotive books and lives in Dayton, Ohio. http://jameshalderman.com 3

Topics to be Discussed Engine coolants- Purpose and function Water (1/2 of the coolant) Coolant Types Cooling system testing Cooling system service 4

What is Coolant? Coolant is a mixture of: 1. Water (50%) 2. Anti-Freeze (ethylene glycol-about 93%) 3. Corrosion inhibitors (additives) Additives: About 3% Ethylene Glycol: 47% Water: 50% Coolant 5 5 Need to know

Water Water is the principal ingredient and: 1. Is inexpensive 2. Is a very efficient heat exchange fluid 3. Has excellent thermal conductivity 4. Has a good specific heat 5. Freezes at 32°F (0°C) 6. Boils at 212°F (100°C) The water used in coolant must be clean & pure. 6 6 Need to know

Good Water The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for water quality include: Chloride <40 ppm Sulfate <100 ppm Calcium <100 ppm Magnesium <100 ppm Total Hardness <170 ppm pH Range: 5.5—9.0 Iron <1 ppm 7 7 Nice to know

Freeze and Boil Pure Water 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Freezing Point 0° C (32° F) -37° C (-35° F) -55° C (-67° F) Boiling Point 100° C (212° F) 106° C (223° F) 113° C (235° F) 8 8 Need to know

Ethylene Glycol (EG) Ethylene glycol is the base antifreeze used in every OEM factory fill. The additive package will vary. 9 Need to know

Propylene Glycol (PG) Only sold to the aftermarket Not recommended for use by vehicle manufacturers More expensive than EG, Increased cost is $/gallon Still toxic but is not as sweet as EG 10 Need to know

Embittered Coolant Embittered = tastes awful Embittering agent is required (denatonium benzoate, 30 ppm) Required in California and Oregon since 2004 but not included on the label. 11 Need to know

Bittered States At this time, 7/20/10, 12 states require antifreeze with a bittering agent: dentonium benzoate. They are: Arizona New Mexico Virginia California Oregon Vermont Maine Tennessee Washington New Jersey Utah Wisconsin 4 states: Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Ohio are working on a similar rule.

OAT=DEX-COOL is one brand 13 Nice to know

HOAT=Red; Pink; Yellow or Blue 14 Nice to know

Replacement Antifreeze The best choice is to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. OR, you can follow the recommendations of reliable antifreeze manufacturers (next slide). 15 Need to know

Coolant Summary Nice to know Ethylene glycol - Most ethylene glycol coolant is any color and contains about 93% ethylene glycol plus water and additives. Propylene glycol - less harmful to pets and animals because it is not sweet tasting, although it is still harmful if swallowed. Organic acid technology (OAT) antifreeze coolant – This type is ethylene glycol based but it does not contain silicates or phosphates. It is usually orange. DEXCOOL is an OAT coolant. Hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) – This orange, green, red, blue or yellow coolant is an ethylene glycol based coolant similar to the OAT- type antifreeze as it uses additives (a low amount of silicate) VW/Audi pink - Most of these coolants are HOAT (ethylene glycol-based with some silicate and contain an organic acid) and are phosphate free. Asian red – This coolant is ethylene glycol-based and is silicate-free, yet contains phosphate. Mercedes and Ford yellow – This conventional ethylene glycol coolant has low amounts of silicate and no phosphates. Mercedes Lifetime – Very expensive, can be drained, filtered and reused. Korean or European blue – This conventional ethylene glycol coolant has low amounts of silicate and no phosphates. Edited 16 Nice to know

pH Tests pH can be measure using test strips or a meter. Fairly accurate and costs pennies/test. 17 Need to know

Metal Corrosion This iron tube has been ruined by rust. Need to know 18 Need to know

Diesel Wet Sleeve Cavitation The sleeve can vibrate during the combustion stroke producing the pressure drop, bubbles, and metal erosion. Heavy duty coolants contain supplemental coolant additives (SCA) to help prevent this. 19 Need to know

Bi-Metal Corrosion Ions move from more active metals to less active metal through the coolant which acts like the electrolyte 20 Nice to know

Radiator Voltage Connect the negative voltmeter lead to a good ground (this radiator has a plastic filler neck), and immerse the positive lead into the coolant. A reading of 0.300 V or greater indicates corrosion is probably occurring. We should follow this with static and dynamic volt checks 21 Need to know

Refractometer Image Shadow Read Here The image will show the amount of freeze protection and is read at the scale at the bottom edge of the shadow. This unit can check EG and PG antifreeze freeze protection and battery specific gravity. 22 Need to know

Universal Coolant Arctic Blend Recycool Prestone Prime coolants that have been formulated to be used in any vehicle 23 Nice to know

Additives The major additives: 1. Reduce corrosion 2. Buffer (control) pH 3. Add color (dye) 24 24 Need to know

IAT Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) is the traditional green coolant used in most older vehicles. This solution offers fast-acting corrosion protection, but the additives are quickly consumed, exposing the cooling system to possible corrosion problems if not changed regularly. 25 25 Need to know

IAT (Usually Green in Color) Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) antifreeze can contain: Silicates (possible abrasive dropouts) Phosphates Borates IAT is considered obsolete and can cause early failure of ceramic-phenolic seals used in newer water pumps. 26 26 Need to know

OAT (Usually Orange) Organic Acid Technology (OAT) is the formula found in DEX-COOL®, and is usually the antifreeze/coolant of choice for GM, VW, and many Japanese/Asian vehicles. This formula is engineered to offer long-life corrosion protection. The downside of OAT is it is not compatible with other types of coolant (IAT and HOAT). In fact, Ford, Chrysler and others say to not use this type of coolant in their newer models. 27 27 Need to know

OAT-continued NAPS=nitrates, amines, phosphate and silicate free 28 Nice to know

OAT=DEX-COOL is one brand 29 Nice to know

DEX-COOL Concerns Root cause= air entering system Check cap replace cap Air causes ‘Brown Gunk’ Rust then causes blockages 30 Need to know

Rust in Engine DEX-COOL + Air= rust or DEX-COOL + core sand = Brown gunk I feel that this should follow Slide 43 as a coolant related problem: corrosion 31 Need to know

GM DEX-COOL Problems Class action suit; GM may have to pay for intake gaskets on V-6s (V-8s still being determined) Brown Gunk on radiator cap 32 Need to know

DEX-COOL’s Unique Formulation DEX-COOL uses Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EH) as a corrosive inhibitor 2-EH is prone to damage plastics like Nylon 6.6 used in intake manifold gaskets and radiators G30 OAT and Peak Global OAT do NOT use 2-EH 33 Nice to know

HOAT (Many colors) Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) is found in newer Ford, Chrysler and Mercedes vehicles. Said to use the very best aspects of both IAT and OAT, HOAT is a very protective, long-life coolant. 34 34 Need to know

HOAT=Red; Pink; Yellow or Blue 35 Nice to know

POAT Coolant Phosphated Organic Acid Technology (POAT) Dark Green in color Used in Mazda-based Fords (2008+) same as Mazda FL-22 $34.95 per gallon

Ford Motor Company & E-OAT The E = European, low silicate and phosphate free Ford of Europe has validated Dex-Cool and uses it with no problems. Ford of U.S. has reengineered all of their new engines (No- Cavitation water pumps and no-silicone rubber or Nylon 66) to work with this formula.

Ford/Mercury Coolant Pre 1999 99—01 2002 2003 2004 The 1999—2001 Cougar used a OAT Dex-Cool clone, but had issues with water pump cavitation.

Dex-Cool & OAT that meets GM Spec. Prestone markets an OAT antifreeze (Extended Life) “compatible with ANY antifreeze/ coolant”) that meets the GM Dex-Cool spec. it is less expensive than Dex-Cool-labeled products because of no-royalty cost.

Passivation Passivation= is a chemical reaction the takes place between coolant additives and the metal that it protects Takes a few days or few weeks It creates barrier between the metal and corrosion  Each chemical package does its own passivation if you change chemical packages, passivation has to start over   It boils down to: DO NOT CHANGE PACKAGES. 40 Nice to know

“G” Designations G= Glysantin –trade name of BASF. Valvoline (Zerex) in the US. G30, G33, G34= non-silicate and phosphate free (DEX-COOL replacement) G05 = Phosphate free-low silicates (Asian formula and Chrysler HOAT) Most people could care less about “G” designations as its one brand, Can we combine 31, 32 & 33? 41 Nice to know

“G” Designations-continued G11=Blue VW used before 1997 G12=Pink/Red VW 1997+ G12=Purple VW 2003+ HOAT formulation; phosphate free 42 ?

“G” Designations-continued G48=Low Silicate and Phosphate free Blue Color NAP =nitrates, amines, phosphate free BMW 43 ?

Replacement Antifreeze The best choice is to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. OR, you can follow the recommendations of reliable antifreeze manufacturers (next slide). 44 Need to know

Color The color helps us identify a coolant leak. It also helps us identify the additive package. Should not be used as an indicator what to use-some Chrysler vehicles used HOAT coolant that was green 45 45 Need to know

New scan 46

Coolant Summary Nice to know Ethylene glycol - Most ethylene glycol coolant is any color and contains about 93% ethylene glycol plus water and additives. Propylene glycol - less harmful to pets and animals because it is not sweet tasting, although it is still harmful if swallowed. Organic acid technology (OAT) antifreeze coolant – This type is ethylene glycol based but it does not contain silicates or phosphates. It is usually orange. DEXCOOL is an OAT coolant. Hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) – This orange, green, red, blue or yellow coolant is an ethylene glycol based coolant similar to the OAT- type antifreeze as it uses additives (a low amount of silicate) VW/Audi pink - Most of these coolants are HOAT (ethylene glycol-based with some silicate and contain an organic acid) and are phosphate free. Asian red – This coolant is ethylene glycol-based and is silicate-free, yet contains phosphate. Mercedes and Ford yellow – This conventional ethylene glycol coolant has low amounts of silicate and no phosphates. Mercedes Lifetime – Very expensive, can be drained, filtered and reused. Korean or European blue – This conventional ethylene glycol coolant has low amounts of silicate and no phosphates. Edited 47 Nice to know

Depletion Rate of Additives 48 Need to know

Substance pH Hydrochloric acid -1.0 Battery acid 0.5 Lemon juice 2.4 Cola 2.5 Vinegar 2.9 Orange or Apple juice 3.5 Acid Rain <5.0 Tea or healthy skin 5.5 Milk 6.5 Pure water 7.0 Healthy human saliva 6.5 – 7.4 Blood 7.34 – 7.45 Sea water 7.7 – 8.3 Hand soap 9.0 – 10.0 Household ammonia 11.5 Bleach 12.5 Household lye 13.5 Caustic Soda 13.9 pH Acid pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Less than 7 is considered acidic. Greater than 7 is considered alkaline. Alkaline 49 49 Nice to know

pH Effects Fresh antifreeze pH= 9 and 11 Used coolant pH= 7.5 and 10 It can also increase electrolysis ( the dissimilar metals in contact with an electrolyte can produce a simple battery) 50 50 Need to know

pH of various coolants IAT= 9.0-10.5 new OAT= 7.5-8.5 new (G30 and G34 designation) HOAT= 7.5-8.5 new (G05,G48,G11 or G12 designation) 51 Need to know

Desired pH 52 Need to know

pH Tests pH can be measure using test strips or a meter. Fairly accurate and costs pennies/test. 53 Need to know

pH Meter This Milwaukee is probably more accurate and cost $30.00. 54 Need to know

Corrosion Corrosion is the “decomposition of metal” (called rust or aluminum oxide, the whitish material that forms on aluminum components) Oxide formation: eats away at the parent material from the outside forms an insulating barrier for heat transfer 55 55 Need to know

Metal Corrosion This iron tube has been ruined by rust. Need to know 56 Need to know

Corrosion aluminum oxide, often found on coolant outlet/stat cover 57 57 Need to know

Corroded Water Pump I see scale (white stuff) on the pump impeller and dark gunk, missing material from blades show evidence of corrosion One of the reasons for the removal of silicates from coolant 58 Need to know

Corroded pump can cause: reduced coolant flow and an overheating condition 59 Need to know

Cavitation Cavitation Cavitation is the sudden formation and collapse of low-pressure bubbles. With gasoline engines, the pressure drop can occur at the inlet of the water pump. These bubbles produce a pitting of the solid metal . 60 60 Need to know

Cavitation Damage The very low pressure can produce gas bubbles that implode next to a metal surface. The implosion blasts particles from the surface. 61 Need to know

Diesel Wet Sleeve Cavitation The sleeve can vibrate during the combustion stroke producing the pressure drop, bubbles, and metal erosion. Heavy duty coolants contain supplemental coolant additives (SCA) to help prevent this. 62 Need to know

Galvanic action Galvanic activity does not require an outside source of voltage The higher the conductivity of the coolant, the greater the amount of corrosion 63 Need to know

Metals 64 Nice to know

Bi-Metal Corrosion Ions move from more active metals to less active metal through the coolant which acts like the electrolyte 65 Nice to know

Electrolysis Electrolysis requires the use of an outside voltage source. When electrical ions move from metal to the coolant, they can take metal atoms with them This metal transfer can eat holes in a heater core or radiator. Electrolysis holes will usually start from the inside and have a dark coloration. 66 66 Need to know

Testing Coolant with a Voltmeter This test gives variable and questionable results depending on many factors Galvanic=less than 200 mV Electrolysis= (engine running and accessories switched on and off)=less than 300 mV. This check can locate faulty ground connections 67 Need to know

Radiator Voltage Connect the negative voltmeter lead to a good ground (this radiator has a plastic filler neck), and immerse the positive lead into the coolant. A reading of 0.300 V or greater indicates corrosion is probably occurring. We should follow this with static and dynamic volt checks 68 Need to know

Coolant Condition This “green” antifreeze has a clean, bright appearance. The other types will have a different color but should also appear clean and bright. A muddy brown or rust-reddish color indicates that corrosion is occurring. 69 Need to know

Freeze Protection, Refractometer A few drops of coolant are placed under the sample window. The technician then holds the unit up to light and looks through the eye piece (right end). Eye Piece Sample Window 70 Need to know

Refractometer Image Shadow Read Here The image will show the amount of freeze protection and is read at the scale at the bottom edge of the shadow. This unit can check EG and PG antifreeze freeze protection and battery specific gravity. 71 Need to know

Freeze Protection, Test Strips Test strips will change color when they are dipped into the coolant, and the color change is compared to the container. Test strips are fairly accurate, easy to use, and inexpensive. 72 72 Need to know

Coolant Corrosion Protection The new test strip color is compared to the color pads on the container to determine the amount of freeze protection and corrosion protection. 73 Need to know

Coolant Replacement 15 to 20% remains in the system after it has been drained Fill system with antifreeze first and top off with water Be sure to use the specified coolant (GM warns not to reuse coolant drained from the system) (Mercedes has a lifetime coolant, drain, filter, & reuse) Moved 74 Need to know

Coolant Replacement-#2 Moved Check the pressure cap and radiator for faults Check all hoses and always use coolant hose 75 Need to know

Universal Coolant Universal Gold =HOAT, extended life, low-silicate, phosphate-free antifreeze/coolant. This product meets Ford WSS M97B51-A1 and Chrysler MS 9769 and other "global antifreeze" type specifications, as well as ASTM D3306, D4985 and D6210/11 See new Slide 75 76 Nice to know

Universal Coolant Arctic Blend Recycool Prestone Prime coolants that have been formulated to be used in any vehicle 77 Nice to know

Coolant Recovery and Storage Some shops recycle used antifreeze Should be stored until picked up for recycling Notice double containers to help avoid spills 78 Need to know

Flushing a Dirty System 1. Drain system 2. Fill system with clean water & chemical 3. Run system to operating temp. (Heater on) 4. Drain system & fill with clean water 5. Repeat until drain water runs clear Any remaining flush agent will upset pH. 6. Fill system with 50/50 antifreeze/water mix 7. Run system to operating temp. (Heater on) 8. Adjust coolant level Caution: If flushing a really dirty system, be prepared to repair some leaks. 79 Need to know

Flushing Some communities permit draining into sewer. EG and PG will biodegrade. There is a problem however if coolant is spilled on open ground. 80 Need to know

Be sure to clean the overflow/surge tank It should empty if you start draining with the cap in place. 81 Need to know

Mix Coolant 50/50 or use premix See Slide 70 82 ?

Coolant Exchange Machine Most shops use machines like this. Coolant drains have become fragile and hard to find. 83 Need to know

TECH TIP Check the freezing Point after service Should be -34 degrees F (proper 50/50 mix) If higher (i.e. -20 F) this means that there is too much water. If lower (i.e. -40 F) this means that there is too much antifreeze

Always check or replace the radiator pressure cap The cap can be located on the radiator The coolant recovery reservoir The upper radiator hose Note the pressure. 85 Need to know

Cap has two seals Upper Seal Filler Neck Lower Seal To CRR What will happen if the upper seal fails? What will happen if the lower seal fails? 86 Need to know

Never open when hot! 1 psi will increase the coolant boiling point 2.7oF. A 15 lb. Cap will increase the BP 40.5oF. What can happen if the cap is removed from a hot system? 87 Need to know

Proper Fill All of the air must be removed from the cooling system by one of these methods: Bleeder screw: lets air escape Air Lift: evacuates system before fill Spill-Free Funnel: Lisle #22150 Fluid Exchange: requires special equipment New 88 Need to know

Bleeder Valves Use a clear hose attached to the bleeder valve and the other end in a “suitable” container Prevents coolant from getting on the engine and gives the technician a visual clue as to color of coolant 89 Need to know

Leak Detection A good system holds pressure Text added A good system holds pressure Tracer dye and some antifreezes glow under UV light 90 Need to know

What should Technician's do? Check service information for the designated coolant and replacement interval Check the coolant appearance and level at every service Check the pressure cap appearance at every service Check the appearance and pH for signs that the coolant should be replaced before the regular service interval Check Freeze Point, pH, and Galvanic/Electrolysis Edited 91 Need to know

Typical Questions/Answers 1. Are all green antifreezes the same? A. No-Chrysler used HOAT coolant that was green like IAT coolant 2. Can DEX-COOL be replaced with conventional green coolant? A. Yes, but then the coolant has be replaced every 24 months or 24,000 miles 92

Questions/Answers 3. Can coolants be mixed? A. No 4. Is DEX-COOL propylene glycol ? A. No. DEX-COOL and all other coolants are ethylene glycol except one labeled propylene glycol and is never used from the factory 93

Summary Not all coolants are the same Not all tap water is OK to use Premixed coolant usually produces good results Check the coolant freezing/boiling point Check the coolant pH Always check or replace the pressure cap, especially on DEX-COOL vehicles 94

Resource materials

Contact Information Tom Birch http://tombirch.com Jim Halderman- jim@jameshalderman.com Edited 96